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Portrait by Greg Bottali

  • Alison Bert

    • I'm a writer who used to make my living as a musician. And somewhere along the way, I developed a passion for photography.

    Whatever I do, I try to make it meaningful. The best training I ever had was as a reporter The Journal News, covering everything from 9-11 to education and business. Now, as an editor for Elsevier, I try to bring the same journalistic integrity to corporate communications.

    In the previous century, I was a classical guitarist and music professor. I will always be grateful for the opportunities it gave me. While working on a doctorate at the University of Arizona, I was a Fulbright Scholar in Spain and studied with Andrés Segovia in a master class. I performed with wonderful musicians in places I will never forget, like Berlin, Krakow, Jerusalem and Caracas. And was able to share what I learned with with some incredible students.

    But ultimately I decided to return to my roots as a writer. When I was on the music faculty of Syracuse University, the Newhouse School was right across the street. I signed up for a few courses, but a professor there convinced me to get a master's in journalism and make it my living.

    Many people ask me why I changed careers, but I don't see it that way. For me, art in any form is about finding what is fascinating and building a technique to express it to others. Which is what I hope to do here. I hope you will join me.

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     My photo gallery 

    The price to pursue our passions

    Alison Bert on December 16th, 2007 | Filed under Holidays, Party Planning, Theater

    Christina and Bobby D’Amato are actors who give the most lavish and entertaining Christmas party I could ever hope to attend. Every tabletop and crevice of their home evokes the magic of the season — from a dollhouse that tells the tale of “The Night Before Christmas,” and a life-size statue of the Grinch, to the miniature Christmas village with a toy train running through it, under which guests place gifts for the toy drive. As I peered at the crystalline menagerie on the serving table while deciding between cinnamon cranberry goat cheese and caviar, I found myself wondering, why would they go to all this trouble?

    The answer came to me this afternoon as I was editing the 200-plus photos I took at the party and posting the better ones for the guests (click on the picture above to see them). No one paid me to take photos, or even asked me to. For me, photography is mainly a labor of love. I bought a camera as a newspaper reporter last year, fearful that one day I would see Osama Bin Laden on the subway and have nothing to show for it. I soon realized I have an eye — and a passion — for photography, and that some of my photos were good enough for print.

    So while I didn’t feel like spending hours at the computer this afternoon, it’s the price I willingly pay for pursuing my passion and ultimately turning it into a business.

    Likewise, I’m sure Christina didn’t feel like shampooing carpets and taking out mounds of trash today. But she has an obvious talent and passion for party-planning — an extension of her theatrical prowess — that makes it all worthwhile. In fact, recently she started a party-planning business that I’m sure will be wildly successful. You can reach Festivi-Teas, Inc., at 914.649.3440.

    And now I urge you to read on. My good friend Ellie Treistman just send me this beautiful essay she composed about the evening.

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    If this is the season for wishes, beautiful surroundings and the comfort of good friends, then I must admit to having it all this weekend.  Although I obsessively choose to spend my weekends at ballroom dancing venues, I could not resist an invitation from my charming friend Alison to escort her to what she assured me would be a lovely and most interesting event.  Opportunities to dance with partners throughout the tri-state area were now regretfully forfeited.  With pangs of withdrawal, knowing a dance floor would not await me, I left my house to travel a mere two miles in Alison’s golden Honda to arrive at the enchanting home of Bobby and Christina D’Amato.  As requested, I spent some very alien, yet reminiscent moments, purchasing toys, which unbeknownst to me, would be part of a transformation of spirit awaiting me upon entrance to this gala. Little did I know that a magical Christmas kingdom was just a stone’s throw from my door. 

    We arrive at a grandiose manse from the turn of the century elegantly adorned and bejeweled in Christmas décor – a shimmering orb of glass, flicker of candle and twinkling light greeted you at every turn.  No nook or cranny was left undressed.  The Master of the House, Mr. Bobby, graciously welcomed me into his world of enchantment, a child’s dream: “Live it, be it – it’s yours,” he told me. I accepted his offer.  Hospitality abounded, orchestrated with incredible skill, talent and what appeared to be effortless ease by Ms. Tina – a mistress of magic.  She majestically seemed to fly through her Christmas kingdom.  The D’Amatos are incredible people who brought unexpected ambiance, entertainment, endless food and drink, their friends and guests into my world for an evening.  It’s not just who you know, it’s who they know.  Thanks Alison for sharing a great night with me.

    Ellie Treistman

    4 Comments »


    4 Responses to “The price to pursue our passions”

    1. John Gembecki Says:
      December 17th, 2007 at 10:51 am

      Thanks for the pictures, My cousins have been doing this Christmas Party for years and each one is better than the next. Anyone who attends at some point gets the Christmas spirit whether it’s for that one evening or the season. I am not sure what triggers it, the good food, good spirits, great interesting people, the sing along, the karoke, or the one man Christmas story preview. enjoy!!!

    2. Bobby & Tina D'Amato Says:
      December 19th, 2007 at 7:26 am

      Thank you for the wonderful written remembrance of our Christmas celebration, both from you and from Ellie. We were able to relive the magic through your eloquent retellings. We are already planning, and looking forward to, next year’s soiree! Very best wishes to all for a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year, and may the magic and wonder of Christmas stay in your hearts all year long. Love, Bobby & Tina

    3. Alison Bert Says:
      December 25th, 2007 at 4:35 pm

      Thank you, John, for visiting Lives Wide Open. In a few words, you have conveyed the spirit that makes their parties spectacular.

      And thank you, Bobby and Tina, for your kind words and for thinking of me, and now Ellie, at this special time of year.

      Have a joyous Christmas and a Happy New Year.

    4. PEAPIMPAILI Says:
      October 8th, 2011 at 12:09 am

      всем здрасти. меня всегда интересовала хорошая прибыль. люблю деньги, но вот работа на которой я работал давала тупо на сигареты и на пиво , немного погулять с друзьями студентами. я с детства верю в магию и все такое. в ин6тернете увидел рекламу мага александра Цынь – обратился, обряд конечно меня конкретно разорил, НО ВОТ ЭФФЕКТ меня поразил до глубины. теперь я работаю на высокооплачеваемой работе, знаете, про такие места говорят – что только по блату ……………. – я свой блат получил у Александра —-=
      Киев, Виталик. 23 года

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